The Rangers have decided to not pitch Yu Darvish until after the All-Star break.

The Rangers have decided that Martin Perez will pitch on Friday and Derek Holland will pitch on Saturday against the Twins. Holland will be activated off the disabled list. The Rangers haven’t decided their second half rotation yet.

It’s not a health thing nor an endurance thing — Darvish threw over 230 innings last year in Japan.

It’s just a little extra rest for a guy who commanded a total commitment of $112 million this past winter.

Darvish has posted a cool 3.59 ERA and 1.36 WHIP through the first 16 starts of his major league career, fanning 117 batters and walking 53 in 102 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old native of Japan has all the weapons to be great, and the Rangers have to be pleased with their investment thus far. He is currently leading the American League All-Star team’s “Final Vote” balloting. David Freese is tops in the National League.

I’m not sure Washington cares half as much as Selig does. Having Yu ‘earn’ the starting position on the MLB AL All-Star in his first year will only help further the excitement back in Japan. Selig knows that will translate quickly into dollar signs for the league.